Prakasam police use drones to spread anti-drug message: Students, parents uged to stay vigilant; committees, de-addiction drives rolled out across schools, colleges

ONGOLE: Prakasam district police used drones to fly banners with slogans like "Say No to Drugs" and "Drugs Vaddu Bro" across key junctions in the town.The banners carried by the drones became a major attraction in the main junctions as they caught the attention of hundreds of people.

Prakasam district Superintendent of Police AR Damodar took the issue of the spread of narcotics seriously right from the day he assumed charge about a year ago and visited several engineering and private colleges to create awareness.

He directed the field officers to closely track the movements of the suspects and take immediate action. He asked the officials to organise meetings with the parents and ask them to keep a close tab on their kids to prevent them from falling prey to drugs.Addressing a meeting held to mark International Anti-Drugs Day on Thursday, SP Damodar said that youth, attracted by novelty, often experiment with drugs, which leads to addiction, imprisonment, loss of job opportunities, and a ruined life. He warned that once caught in drug-related cases, individuals' names are recorded in police records, leading to loss of job prospects, inability to obtain passports or visas, and loss of societal respect.

He urged students and youth to stay away from drugs, act smartly to avoid their influence, and never start using them. He said that they would set up student, teacher, and parent committees in schools and colleges to conduct large-scale awareness programmes about the harmful effects of drug use. He said that those addicted to drugs are being admitted to de-addiction centres, and suppliers are being identified, with cases registered and actions taken.

The SP urged youth to stay away from drugs and shape a bright future.The district collector, A Tameem Ansaria, called for collective efforts to make Prakasam district drug-free, with extensive awareness programmes being conducted in colleges and schools to prevent the influence of drugs on youth. She highlighted that within four months of launching the Navodaya 2.0 programme in February this year, Prakasam district was declared free of illicit liquor. She said that the govt is taking all measures to control and eradicate drug-related issues, and she urged all sections of society and voluntary organisations to join hands in making Prakasam district drug-free. The Collector advised students to stay away from drugs and pave a golden path for their future. MLAs Janardhan, BN Vijay Kumar, and other senior officials were present.